NEW IBERIA — The wait is almost over. Chick-fil-A will open in New Iberia Thursday morning.
The fast-food restaurant is located at 1102 E Admiral Doyle Drive.
Dozens lined up at the restaurant Wednesday night for a chance to win free sandwich combo meals for a year. (Well, you get 52 of them.)
The challenge is to camp out at the restaurant overnight.
The contestants arrived Wednesday night at 6 p.m. and can't leave until Thursday morning at 6 a.m.
Wednesday night's temperature was a little below 50 degrees, but the group came prepared.
"I brought a tent... expensive... a mattress, blankets, pillows, food," said Janeicia Henry.
Contestants Angel Arton and Cameron Fage said the Chick-fil-A campout wasn't their first all-nighter at a new business.
"This is our thing; we get ready," explained Fage.
Both are prepared to stay until the sun comes up despite it being a school night.
"We have a math test in the morning, and we did not study for it," said Arton. Fage added, "Yeah, no. We're not studying."
Many say they're excited to see Iberia Parish finally get a Chick-fil-A.
"You do not know how long I've waited for this moment to happen," exclaimed Arton. Fage laughed, "Okay, it's not that serious." Arton interjected, "It is this serious!"
Although the prize is their objective, some say they're excited to see what the restaurant will do for the community.
"It brings more business to New Iberia, especially, because we have the Rouses now, and the Ross Dress for Less coming, and the Hobby Lobby," said Arton. "That's bringing a lot of people over here, and everyone loves Chick-fil-A."
For those who can stick it out, they will be awarded Thursday morning, starting at 5:30.
The restaurant will officially open to the public at 6 a.m.
